New Permits Hint at 2 EPCOT Updates

EPCOT is undergoing a MASSIVE transformation, and more updates could be on the way.

EPCOT

We’re constantly searching through the latest permits that have been filed related to construction work happening at Disney World. We’ve seen permits suggesting upcoming work at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom attractions, potential updates for an EPCOT restaurant, and more. But now we’ve got some new ones to share!

What we look at are called Notices of Commencement. These generally can indicate the type of projects that might start soon. Here’s what we’ve seen lately.

1 — A New Sign

First up, we’ve got a permit to “install signage” at an address that appears to match up with The Land pavilion in EPCOT. It’s unclear just where this sign might go, but it is interesting to see it tied to this particular address. The owner of the property being worked on is listed as Walt Disney Imagineering.

The Land

The contractor on the permit is Jon Richards Company FL, Inc. We’ve actually seen them listed on a permit before, specifically to install a marquee and signage at an address tied to the former Starbucks on the way to World Showcase (which we anticipate could become an EPCOT Food & Wine Festival booth soon!).

The website for the Jon Richards Company indicates that they’ve worked on a number of projects, including some for theme parks like Universal and Disney. We’ll certainly be on the lookout for what this signage at The Land might be!

2 — Another EPCOT Update

But wait…there’s MORE coming to EPCOT soon. In another permit that also lists Imagineering as the owner and Jon Richards Company as the contractor, it looks like more installation of signage is on its way to the park.

The permit is for an address tied to what one building map describes as Kiosk Site #11. It appears to be a small kiosk along World Showcase Lagoon just before the Odyssey and Mexico pavilion.

©ArcGIS

Again, it’s not totally clear what this signage will be, but we’ll be on the lookout.

3 — MORE!

In terms of other permits, we’ve seen quite a few filed in recent weeks that could signal upcoming work in a number of places.

Two of the most interesting ones have to deal with “general construction” over at Harpers Mill and Fort Langhorn at Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom. We’ve seen the barrel bridge removed from Tom Sawyer Island recently as some construction goes on there, so we’ll be interested to see what this work from the permits might involve.

Closed

We’ve also seen various permits for “general construction” filed for a number of Disney World hotels including some rooms at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, certain rooms at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and more.

Grand Floridian

Plus, there is another Imagineering permit signaling more changes for EPCOT. This one is for the “fabrication and installation of covers” by Icarus Exhibits, Inc. (that’s the contractor) at a building called the “Fountain Plaza Tech Building.” It’s on the left-hand side when you’re walking down that central path from World Celebration toward World Showcase.

We’ve seen Icarus Exhibits listed on a number of Disney-related permits in the past including one to install a shroud at The Seas with Nemo and Friends, one to install a cart in the Italy pavilion, and one to fabricate and install set pieces at various places.

©ArcGIS

It’s also worth noting that we’re continuing to see a trickle of Blizzard Beach Water Park-related permits being filed for things like plumbing work, carpentry work at certain patios, and more. Right now, that water park is closed for refurbishment and it seems like work is actively going on, so its closure may continue for a while longer. Thus far, no reopening date has been announced.

Tike’s Peak in Blizzard Beach

We’ll keep an eye out for more news all around Disney World and let you know what we find. Stay tuned for the latest updates!

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